Health & Life

A miraculous fruit found abundantly in Vietnamese markets: The “wonder drug” for lowering blood sugar and rejuvenating the body

Widely popular in Vietnamese cuisine, this incredible food ingredient holds more health benefits than you might think. Let's unveil the secrets behind its miraculous properties.

Administrator

25 February, 2024

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Eggplant, a familiar ingredient in kitchens from Asia to Europe and loved by Vietnamese people, is not only diverse in preparation methods but also a treasure trove of beneficial nutrients for health. Healthline points out that every 100g of eggplant contains only 25 calories but provides 1g of protein, 0.2g of fat, 6g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber. Furthermore, eggplant is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, potassium, vitamin K, C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. The amount of folic acid, potassium, and vitamins needed daily that eggplant provides accounts for 3% to 5%, contributing to the prevention and support of serious illnesses.

Helps prevent heart disease

Recent scientific studies have highlighted the ability of eggplant to protect the heart, thanks to its abundance of antioxidants. Experiments on rabbits have shown that with just 10ml of eggplant juice per day, after two weeks, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides – two important but potentially harmful fatty substances – decreased significantly, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Cancer prevention

Polyphenols, a compound found in eggplant, are known for their cancer-fighting abilities. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid in eggplant can protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals, indirectly preventing the development and metastasis of cancer cells. In particular, anthocyanins inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, reduce inflammation, and block enzymes that support the cancer cell metastasis process.

Helps control blood sugar

Eggplant is known as an excellent food for controlling blood sugar, largely due to its high fiber content. Fiber plays a role in slowing down the process of digestion and absorption of food, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent sudden spikes. Furthermore, polyphenols in eggplant also improve glucose absorption and stimulate insulin production, playing an important role in managing blood sugar levels, which is crucial for people with diabetes.

Detoxifies the body

When you feel bloated, have indigestion, fatigue, or appear pale, it’s likely that your body needs detoxification. In this case, eggplant is an ideal choice, as it optimizes liver function. Eggplant has a high water content, about 92%, which helps stimulate kidney function through diuretic effects, thereby aiding the body in eliminating toxins more effectively.

The secret to staying youthful

With its richness in vitamin E, eggplant is praised as a magical source in combating the natural aging process of the body. Not only does it support maintaining youthful skin, but eggplant also helps control cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing unwanted increases. With its powerful antioxidant properties, eggplant becomes an important part of the diet for middle-aged and elderly people, helping them maintain health and a youthful appearance.

Things to know when consuming eggplant

Eggplant is a nutritious food, but it needs to be consumed wisely to avoid unwanted side effects:

Limit consumption

Solanine, a substance found in eggplant, although beneficial in terms of antioxidant properties and preventing cancer cells, can also cause strong stimulation to the respiratory system and have sedative effects. Excessive consumption can lead to solanine poisoning, as solanine is insoluble in water and is not destroyed when boiled. To reduce solanine content, a little vinegar can be added to the cooking process. Note that unripe eggplant juice carries a high risk of poisoning.

Avoid grilling eggplant

Boiling is the best way to cook eggplant, while grilling directly over fire can significantly reduce the vitamin content. Frying eggplant is also not encouraged because they can absorb a lot of oil, leading to rapid weight gain.

Note for special groups of people

People who are weak or fatigued should not consume eggplant regularly due to its cooling nature. Those with kidney disease, asthma, and gastrointestinal or liver issues should also limit eggplant consumption. In particular, patients with gastrointestinal problems should avoid eating too much eggplant to prevent diarrhea.

Do not combine eggplant with crab meat

According to traditional Chinese medicine, both eggplant and crab meat have a cooling nature, and when combined, they can cause digestive issues such as stomachaches and diarrhea.

Frequently asked questions

The fruit is called ‘sour sop’ or ‘graviola’ and it is said to have miraculous health benefits. It is a natural wonder drug for lowering blood sugar and rejuvenating the body. Sour sop is also known to help fight cancer, boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss.

Sour sop has been found to have hypoglycemic effects, which means it helps regulate and lower blood sugar levels. This makes it an effective natural remedy for diabetes and related conditions.

Sour sop is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties.

You can eat the fruit fresh, or use it to make juices, smoothies, and ice cream. Sour sop leaves can also be brewed into a tea. Additionally, you can find sour sop supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, or extracts.

While sour sop is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed in excessive amounts. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.